Finished up the Whaler Trailer

    I finished up the trailer just in time to get the rest of my packing done. I installed the side markers and ran the new wires. I had to move my ground to the main part of the trailer. I had it connected near the coupler and it did not provide enough ground since this is a tilt trailer. Also, the marker lights I purchased had bolts too short for the existing location. I think the trailer was reinforced in that area. I moved the forward a few inches and they fit fine. The leftover holes were messing with my OCD so I installed stainless eyes there for a  safety strap.

 

The trailer tongue had a sharp opening so I glued a piece of hose to help protect the wires from rubbing through. Its all about the details huh?

  I wanted to get a spare tire for the trip so rather than buy just one new tire I replaced both and will use the old ones as spares. I hope to mount the spare in this location. It will depend on the holder I can find.

    I did not have time to figure out the wiring for navigation lights so I picked up a temporary solution... AAA battery-powered lights. The front light fit in the existing bracket with a little silicon to hold it firm. The back anchor light will just clamp onto the boat when needed.  This should get me through this trip but the anchor light pole is too short and will need to be replaced with something taller to be within regulations.

Added a lock ...

    I did not trust the latch fo the tilt so I added a bracket to make sure it does not inadvertently move and le the trailer tilt while on the road. I do not see me needing to tilt in most situations but if I do I can just plan ahead remove it.

   

Added the missing roller to the back. I wanted a 12 inch or longer wheel but this was all they had locally and I did not have time to order one. It should do. You can also see screws for a transducer that was on the boat. It was loose and missing the cable so I took it off and silicone the holes and put the screws back in case I want to add one later.

 I had picked up a Navy style anchor but it was slightly large to fit in the anchor locker so I replaced that one with the folding type anchor. I hope 5 pounds will hold her. The coated chain I added should help. I also added a yellow float to the rope after taking this picture.

    Ignore the red docking rope in the picture. I decide to use some blue and white rope I had in my shed. It was all dirty and oily from storage and use so I cut it to the size I wanted and ran it through the wash. It came out like new!

    I got my fishing gear all ready to go!

    I am looking forward to putting her in the water! I have decided a name as well... "Lil Salty".

Whaler Trailer Rework

    Took the trailer apart and sanded it down for a repaint. Not my best work but I need it done yesterday!

 

Bunks should be good for another year or two.

Bunk bolts soaking in vinegar to remove rust.

back on 2 wheels.

New LED side markers

Putting it back together

New LED lights and wires

New winch

I also did a couple things to the boat...

Mounted a cutting board to the bottom of the hatch lid.

Gas tank fits perfect. I have a new tank in NC

Some cushions for the seats

Mounted a fire extinguisher. Thanks, Jim!

Needs cup holders

I still have to get a roller for the rear but she is almost done!

New ride!

    Well, Bear Island is upon us once again.  I had thought we would have to pass again this year from the previous storm damage but they opened the island in time!

This year I am going to try a boat instead of my kayak.

    I picked up a 1970 Boston Whaler that is just perfect for this trip. Thanks, Jim! I have had it a few days and I have managed to do a few things preparing for the trip in a couple weeks. Mainly the trailer.

    I added stern straps to hold down the rear and replaced the winch on the front as the old ones' spring lock was weak.

I need to add a roller to the back brace. I had one here at the house but I can not find it anywhere! 

    I also added braced to the bow rest so it would not move while winching the boat onto the trailer.

   The coupler needed another bolt and the chains were getting old so I replaced those as well.

    I also removed all of the old lights to replace everything with LED lighting. I am also doing a couple marker lights on the side. I held off on installing them in case I can make time to paint the trailer before I head out for my trip. If not I will add them and paint it after the trip.

   I gave my dad a gas tank years ago that he never needed so I got it back sometime this year. It still looks new and should be great for this boat.

   Between me and my buddy Steve looking for motors, we found one up in Virginia at a dealership with only an hour on it. Tons of thanks to Steve for driving up to get it and dealing with the butt head dealership! Its a Yamaha 15 HP 4 stroke. It will not be a speed demon but it should get us from point A to point B just fine. Hey. it may even get us up on plane once we unload our gear unto the island! I just need to remember, if I push right I am going left! LOL, Maybe I will have Steve drive.

    I also found this "cap" in my junk box that will cap off the bow light bracket until I can figure out running lights for this boat. For now, I will probably just go with battery-operated, temporary lights, to get by with.

  The old girl has lots of cosmetic issues and needs some sort of more permanent seating but will be perfect for Bear Island trips. My OCD is clashing with my buddies "it's just a fishing boat" but I think it will balance out in the end. Stay tuned for more!